Advancing liberty and opportunity for all people.

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Our Purpose

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for free-market approaches to public policy that free people to realize their potential and their dreams.

Since 1987, we have been a champion for freedom for the residents of Michigan and beyond, from hot dog stands and food trucks ... to parents seeking education choice ... to workers exercising union rights ... to overtaxed business owners and entrepreneurs fighting for a level playing field. With them and others, we work to advance a freer and more prosperous state.

Government doesn’t create prosperity. People do. We all benefit when people are free to use their skills, knowledge and resources in the best way possible.

To that end, the Mackinac Center rejects the idea that government is the solution to all problems. In our research and educational programs, we consider:

All People. Our research recognizes the diversity of all people and treats them as individuals with unique backgrounds, situations and goals. People know how to allocate their resources better than government ever could.

All Institutions. Voluntary associations, businesses, communities and families all play important roles in a prosperous state and nation, as well as government.

All Disciplines. Mackinac Center research incorporates the best understanding of economics, science, law, history and morality — moving beyond mere cost/benefit analyses.

All Times. We evaluate long-term consequences of policy decisions on all people, not simply short-term impact on a few.

Committed to its independence, the Mackinac Center neither seeks nor accepts any government funding. It enjoys the support of foundations, individuals and businesses who share a concern for Michigan’s future and recognize the important role of free markets and economic liberty.

The Center is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Contact

Mackinac Center for Public Policy
140 West Main Street, P.O. Box 568
Midland, Michigan 48640

(989) 631-0900 (voice)
(989) 631-0964 (fax)